High-Stakes By-Polls in Karnataka: A Closer Look

Voting is taking place for by-elections in Karnataka's Shiggaon, Sandur, and Channapatna constituencies. These were necessitated after their representatives were elected to Lok Sabha. The by-polls feature a strong congressional and BJP contest, with JD(S) in the fray in Channapatna.

Karnataka is witnessing critical by-polls in its Shiggaon, Sandur, and Channapatna constituencies today, following their vacancy due to representatives' shifts to Lok Sabha posts. Over seven lakh eligibles voters will decide the fate of 45 candidates competing across these segments.

In the high-profile Channapatna contest, former minister C P Yogeeshwara, now with Congress, faces off against actor-politician Nikhil Kumaraswamy. Meanwhile, Shiggaon sees a battle between BJP's Bharath Bommai and Congress' Yasir Ahmed Khan Pathan, who seeks revenge after a previous defeat.

Security is tight as both major parties engage in a fierce contest. Campaigns have been marred by intense personal attacks and allegations of corruption, emphasizing the high stakes and intense rivalries fueling these elections.

(With inputs from agencies.)